By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 1 Sittingbourne 1
45 Rowland 77 Davidson
A big downpour prior to kick off made the 4G surface at the WW Martin Community stadium nice and slippery, predicated to aid Rams passing game. The skies cleared prior to kick off.
The fans were hoping for a more entertaining game than when the teams last met back in August when they played out a nil all draw.
Rams were looking to get back to form after last week’s away defeat and maintain their position at the top of the table.
Rams got us underway kicking toward the airport end but it was the Brickies creating the first opportunity, hitting the angle of crossbar and post as Bamba got in. Rams started to create with the front pair linking up with the midfield.
Bamba for the Brickies still looked a threat when they broke although it must have bene tough having seven or eight behind the ball whenever Rams attacked. The 17th and first corner of the game to the Brickies as Bamba crossed and Jadama cleared.
An audacious chip from a good 35 yards by Rowland wenr just wide of Earle’s goal.
The 26th and Brickies created the best opportunity of the game so far as Jones broke down the left crossing for Davidson to shoot in low, Bexon down quickly to save. Rams broke through, Aboagye on the attack winning their first corner.
Rams front pair linked up as Miller played Rowland in, Earle dashes out, dives in, there was contact but ref awarded in favour of the keeper. Rams were back on the attack and a 32nd minute corner was headed just wide of the Brickies goal. The 35th and a long range effort from Bamba out wide left, fired in a speculative effort with Bexon having to make a save as he’d lost his position. Back to back corners for the Brickies defended by Rams.
A late free kick for the Rams n the 45th and central position Paxman & Miller over the ball. Miller into the box, headed on by Fitchett for Rowland to slot home – a well worked routine.
Half time sub for Brickies Eyoma on for Owuso-Boakye, It was Rams starting the brightest, 54th minute and a one touch play down the left, Miller & Jadama linking up for Miller to cross into Rowland, his effort just wide. An enforced sub for the Brickies as Pont replaced Hinds-Cadette.
The 68th and Brickies took advantage of a poor defensive mistake leading to a ball played across the 6 yard line but no-one there to tap home.
The 77th and Brickies were back in the game from an overhead kick by Davidson as Rams failed to clear from a corner.
Final sub for the Brickies Kilbea for Bamba Rams hoped for some respite but it was Brickies mounting the better opportunities.
The 86th Rams double subs Prescott & Aboagye off for Osinfolarin & Ajayi .
Full time result honours even.
The Teams:-
Ramsgate: 1Josh Bexon, , Jerald Aboagye, 3Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 4Jamie Coyle, 8Lee Prescott, 9Kane Rowland, 10Ashley Miller, 12Jack Paxman, 17Ben Fitchett, 19Jake McIntyre, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 5Callum Emptage, 6Denzelle Olopade, 7Lauric Diakiesse, 14Joshua Ajayi, 18Theo Osinfolarin
Sittingbourne: 1Harley Earle, 2Donvieve Jones, 3Bagusan Graham, 4Abdul-haq Osman,5Gavin Hinds-Cadette, 6Tom Hanfrey, 7Youssouf Bamba, 8Matt Warren, 9Chaynie Burgin, 10Ekow Owusu-Boakye, 11Correy Davidson
Subs: 12Harrison Pont, 14Aaron Eyoma, 15Funsho Henry Dasofunjo Sinai, 16Gael Kileba, 18Duane Acheampong.
RFSA player of the match: Kane Rowland
Attendance: 527
Entertainment: 4*
Ramsgate next in action:
Home 21 Jan vs Burgess Hill Town 3pm
Away 28 Jan vs Three Bridges 3pm
Home 04 Feb Littlehampton 3pm